What’s happening:

Hannah Katzir, an Israeli hostage who was reported dead earlier in the week, has been safely returned to Israel from Hamas captivity on Friday night.

Why it matters:

The return of Katzir, who was held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and believed to have been killed in an Israeli Air Force airstrike, is a significant and emotional development. The news of her survival and release is a relief to her family, friends, and the nation, debunking the previous reports of her death due to “medical complications” from the airstrike.

The details:

After being transferred to the Red Cross, Katzir, along with 12 other hostages, was brought to Egypt and then handed over to Israeli forces. Two weeks before her reported death, a video was released by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad showing Katzir expressing her longing to return home and see her family.

Who is Hannah Katzir?

Known for her generosity and kind spirit, Katzir is a mother and grandmother who has dedicated many years working as a nanny in a kibbutz. Her friends and family remember her and her late husband Rami as an “inseparable couple,” and she is deeply cherished in her community.

The bigger picture:

Katzir’s return not only dispels the grim misinformation about her fate but also brings attention to the ongoing conflict and the plight of hostages in the region. Her safe return is a testament to the efforts made by various organizations and governments to resolve such sensitive situations.

This story was first published on jpost.